Barðarbunga Update & Webcams

Source Icelandic Met Office 

 

# 8977

 

Two days ago, in Iceland: Watching Bárðarbunga,  I wrote about the swarm of (mostly small) earthquakes close to Iceland’s second tallest volcano, and the raising of the aviation warning status for the volcano to Orange. Monday morning saw the largest quake – an M4.5 – but since then well over a thousand smaller quakes have continued to rumble.

Yesterday, local authorities – out of an abundance of caution - ordered the evacuation of large areas north of the volcano (see Icelandic Review Alert: Area North of Bárðarbunga Volcano Evacuated), although there are currently no signs of an eruption from the glacier-covered volcano.

 

While  the kind of constant low-level rumbling being detected beneath this volcano often portends an eruption, we’ve seen similar cases where the mountain simply quiets down after a period of time.  Even if there is an eruption, it is impossible to know how big of an event it will be.

 

Nevertheless, Europe and the airline industry – both which was severely impacted by the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 – are monitoring these seismic events carefully.  

 

The latest update from the Icelandic Met Office was written last night.

 

A summary of seismic activity, written Tuesday evening 19th August 2014 at 20:00

20.8.2014

Around 1.000 small earthquakes were detected in the Bárðarbunga region from midnight (18/19) until Tuesday evening 19th August at 20:00. All of them were smaller than magnitude 3 and most were located in the cluster east of Bárðarbunga.

 

While the northern cluster close to Kistufell has calmed down significantly following the M4.5 earthquake on early Monday morning, event rates in the eastern cluster are still high. Similar to recent days, two pulses of comparably strong seismic activity have been measured between 04:00 and 08:00 this morning, as well as 16:00 and 18:30 in the afternoon. The cluster east of Bárðarbunga continued to slowly migrate northeastwards today. Events are still located at around 5-12 km depths, no signs of upwards migration has been seen so far.

 

Below is a summary map of all manually revised earthquakes since the onset of the swarm, which illustrates the migration of earthquake activity during the last days. Earthquakes in the map are colourcoded by time, dark blue dots show the onset of the swarm on Saturday, orange dots Tuesday's events until 19:00, light blue and yellow are the days in between. The time scale is days since the onset of the swarm.

Map by Gunnar B. Guðmundsson, Icelandic Meteorological Office.

The following update – dated August 20th – comes from Iceland’s Civil Protection Agency.

 

Summary in English

Last night the National Crisis Coordination Centre was fully activated after a decision was taken to evacuate the highlands north of Dyngjujökull (part of Vatnajökull glacier). The area is now closed and has been evacuated. These actions were taken following seismic activity around the Bardarbunga caldera in the last few days. The area that has now been closed is both large in size and unpopulated  There are still no signs of eruption but these security measures have been taken since it would not be possible to evacuate the area in time should a sub-glacial outburst flood occur from Vatnajökull as a result of an eruption.

At 03.00 the area had been evacuated. A map of the closed area is available at the website of the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration: http://www.vegagerdin.is/media/umferd-og-faerd/Halendi.pdf In the northwestern part of Vatnajökull glacier the seismic activity is stable, with the main area being northeast of Bardarbunga. Over 300 earthquakes have been detected since midnight. The strongest event was of the magnitude 3.0. Another event happened inside the Bardarbunga caldera and was of the magnitude 2.7.

 
Today The Coast guard airplane, TF SIF, will make a surveillance flight over the area with scientists and representatives of the Civil Protection, if weather conditions allow. Police and ISAR units will enforce the closure of the area. The situation will continue to be closely monitored.

 

While there is little to see right now, three webcams have been placed around the volcano, which will provide live pictures if anything happens on the glacier. 

Iceland: Watching Bárðarbunga

Credit Icelandic Met Office

 

# 8967

 

Over the past 48 hours more than 1,000 (mostly small) earthquakes have been recorded very near Iceland’s largest active volcano and the Icelandic Met Office has raised the aviation alert status for Bárðarbunga  to Orange.   While an eruption is by no means certain, Bárðarbunga has an impressive geologic history, making this swarm worth keeping an eye on.

 

 

First the latest update from the Icelandic Met Office, then I’ll be back with a bit more.

 

• Note

  Intense earthquake swarm continues at Barðarbunga. Presently there are no signs of magma moving to the surface.

• 

Bárðarbunga, Vatnajökull ice-cap, in 1996.

---

Seismic activity at Bárðarbunga persists

18.8.2014

The intense seismic activity that started on 16 of August at Bárðarbunga persists. Very strong indications of ongoing magma movement, in connection with dyke intrusion, is corroborated by GPS measurements. There are currently two swarms: one to the E of Bárðarbunga caldera and one at the edge of Dyngjujökull just E of Kistufell. At 2.37 am on the 18th a strong earthquake (M4) was located in the Kistufell swarm.

This is the strongest earthquake measured in the region since 1996. As evidence of magma movement shallower than 10 km implies increased potential of a volcanic eruption, the Bárðarbunga aviation color code has been changed to orange. Presently there are no signs of eruption, but it cannot be excluded that the current activity will result in an explosive subglacial eruption, leading to an outburst flood (jökulhlaup) and ash emission. The situation is monitored closely.

 

You can read earlier dispatches going back 2 days from the Icelandic Met office at these links:

Activity in Bárðarbunga volcano

Earthquake swarm by Bárðarbunga volcano

 

There is no way of knowing at this time whether Bárðarbunga will erupt, or if it does, how big of an impact it would have.  A major eruption, while possible, is not necessarily the most likely scenario.

 

Roughly 8500 years ago this system did spew forth one of the largest known lava flows of the Holocene (present) era. But the volcano is located in a remote area - far from any large cities - and its biggest threat today may well be from floods due to melting of its thick glacial cap.

 

But we do know that occasionally Icelandic volcanoes have produced significant disruptions – not only locally – but also on a more international scale.

 

In the spring of 2010, the relatively small eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano sent thick plumes of ash into the atmosphere, closing many air corridors in Europe and disrupting travel for 6 days, illustrating just how vulnerable our modern world still remains to geologic events.  

 

An estimated 100,000 flights were affected, at a cost of over 1.7 billion dollars.  That said, not every volcanic eruption produces large ash plumes. 

 

In response to the impact of  Eyjafjallajökull  the UK’s National Risk Register For Civil Emergencies – essentially a short list of disaster scenarios (man-made & natural) that the Cabinet Office believe to be genuine threats – added volcanic eruptions in 2013. 

 

This despite the fact that there are no active volcanoes in the UK or Ireland.

 

Their concern stems from the impact of volcanic eruptions outside of their country – most notably, in Iceland. Specifically they cite:

 

Severe effusive (gas-rich) volcanic eruptions abroad – The 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland showed some of the consequences that a volcanic eruption abroad can have on the UK and its citizens. Following consultation with geological and meteorological experts about the potential risks the UK faces from volcanic eruptions in Iceland or elsewhere, the assessment is that there are two main kinds of risk from volcanic eruptions.

The first is an ash-emitting eruption, similar to that in 2010.

The second, which is slightly less likely than an ash-emitting eruption, but which could have widespread impacts on health, agriculture and transport, is an effusive-style eruption on the scale of the 1783–84 Laki eruption in Iceland. This second type of eruption is now one of the highest priority risks in the NRA and the NRR.

 

For those not familiar with the 1783 event –in that year the Craters of Laki in Iceland erupted and over the next 8 months spewed immense clouds of clouds of deadly hydrofluoric acid & sulphur dioxide, killing over half of Iceland’s livestock and roughly 25% of their population.

 

These noxious clouds drifted over Europe, and resulted in widespread crop failures and thousands of deaths from direct exposure to these fumes. There are also anecdotal reports that suggest this eruption had short-term global climate impacts as well.

 

Another eruption of the type and scale seen in 1783 could present an enormous disaster scenario not only to the UK, but to all of Europe.  Earlier this summer the British Geological Survey produced a 123 page volcanic risk report called LARGE‐MAGNITUDE FISSURE ERUPTIONS IN ICELAND: SOURCE CHARACTERISATION outlining the possible risks and uncertainties.

 

While volcanic eruptions are normally a localized (albeit often destructive and traumatic) event, sometimes they can have global impact.  

 

• When Mount Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines in 1991, within a year its aerosol cloud had dispersed around the globe, resulting in `an overall cooling of perhaps as large as -0.4°C over large parts of the Earth in 1992-93’ (see USGS The Atmospheric Impact of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo Eruption).
• Similarly, the explosion of Mount Tambora on the island of Sumbawa, Indonesia in 1815 killed an estimated 90,000 people locally, but its impact was felt around the globe as its ash & gas lowered temperatures across much of the Northern Hemisphere in 1816, contributing to crop failures, weather disruptions, and famine in parts of North America, Europe, and Asia.

 

None of this is to suggest that the recent activity at Bárðarbunga portends a major eruption, or that it poses a significant threat beyond Iceland.  As we saw with Mt. Hekla a little over a year ago, these threats often subside without incident or turn out far less disruptive than originally feared.

 

But we live on a turbulent and geologically active planet, orbiting a variable star, in an area of space littered with rocks and debris.

 

Earthquakes, volcanoes, Solar Flares, tsunamis, violent storms, even incoming space rocks (see Russia: Hundreds Injured By Meteorite Strike) – while relatively rare – do happen.  And often without warning.

 

While most will have limited impact, you just never know which one will touch you and your loved ones.

 

Which is why FEMA and Ready.gov (along with many other state and federal agencies) urge personal, family, business, and community preparedness for all types of natural or man-made disasters, and why this blog will be focusing on preparedness issues during National Preparedness Month (September).

Tracking The Mt. Kelut Eruption

 

# 8299

 

Indonesia is the most seismically active region of the world, and not only experiences frequent earthquakes, but is also home to more than 130 active volcanoes.  Last month, we watched the Indonesia: Mt. Sinabung Eruption Webcam as more than 20,000 residents were forced to leave their homes.

Yesterday, Mt. Kelut erupted with far greater force – displacing tens of thousands - and reports indicate the ash plume is now hundreds of miles long, and rises nearly 50,000 feet into the air.

 

In 1919, Mount Kelut (also known as Kelud) erupted unleashing a deadly lahar (mudflow) that killed more than 5,000 people.  Since then, Kelut has erupted several times, including a relatively minor eruption in 2007.

 

Normally I’d recommend a webcam link, but it appears the camera feed was taken down by the seismic activity just before, and during, the eruption. It is possible it will be restored at some point.

 

Since I’m not a volcanologist, I’ll happily refer you to Dr. Erik Klemetti’s Eruptions Blog , for the latest details.

 

Other resources, with frequently updated information, include:

 

http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/

http://volcano.si.edu/reports_weekly.cfm   (Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program)

 

And for Volcanoes in the United States, you can check http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/ :

Indonesia: Mt. Sinabung Eruption Webcam

Time lapse  review of last 24 hours – Credit http://www.lookr.com

 

# 8128

 

Some of history’s greatest volcanic eruptions have come out of the Indonesian archipelago (Krakatau in 1884, Tambora in 1815, Toba 75000 years ago), and while Mt Sinabung is hardly apt to reach anywhere near those proportions,  it has been rumbling off and on for several months after 400 years of slumber.

Photo-Map Credit – Wikipedia

 

Over the past 24 hours more than 30 eruptions have been reported on Mt. Sinabung, and evacuations have been extended to more than 20,000 people living in the area.   We’ve a report from Xinhua News , but first a link to a webcam which not only gives you a live view, but allows you to rapidly review the past 24 hours of activity.

 

http://www.lookr.com/lookout/1360477531-Sukameriah#action-play-day

 

 

This report from China’s Xinhua News.

 

Indonesia's volcano erupts again, more people evacuated

English.news.cn   2014-01-04 19:39:07
 

JAKARTA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Mount Sinabung, one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, erupted again on Saturday, shooting a column of ash 4,000 meters to the sky as the number of evacuees rose, official said.

Powerful burst of hot ash and gravel erupted from the rumbling volcano, located in Karo district of North Sumatra, at least 30 times since Saturday morning and hot ash has slid off by up to 5 kilometers from the crater to southeast, pushing the authorities to extend evacuation zone to 20 km from 5 km previously, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of national disaster agency said.

"The column of hot ash now is the biggest ever compared with those frequently spewed (since the volcano erupt in Sept.) The hot ash has slid off to the southeast, covering two villages," he told Xinhua by phone.

The authorities evacuated all the villagers on Friday, adding the total number of displaced person to 20,331 on Saturday from 19, 286 on the previous day, said Sutopo.

Besides, the authorities also extended emergency relief period ended on Jan. 5 to Jan. 18, he said. "The people are recommended to persistently be cautious and abide the authorities' guidance," said Sutopo.

The 2,457-meter Mount Sinabung in Karo district of North Sumatra has rumbled to life since September after being quiet for 400 years. It has erupted on and off since then, but went into overdrive frequently in November and December.

On. Dec. 31, Mount Sinabung erupted, spewing ash 7000 km to the sky, one of the strongest since September.

The Mount Sinabung is among the 129 active volcanoes in the vast archipelago country, which is prone to seismic upheaval as it lays on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" encircling the Pacific Ocean.

Popocatepetl Webcam

 

# 7456

 

Popocatepetl – one of Mexico’s most active volcanoes, and located just 43 miles to the Southeast of Mexico City - has been rumbling ominously for several days, prompting authorities to raise their Volcano alert level to Yellow or Phase III.

 

Steam can be seen rising from the crater in the Webcam shot below.  New images  may be viewed about once a minute, at this link.

 

 

The last major eruption was in 1947, but over the past 20 years there have been significant events in 1994, 2000, 2005, 2012, and again starting in May of this year.

 

Mexico's National Center for Prevention of Disasters (Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres or CENEPRED) Volcano Monitoring site has posted the following statement regarding Popocatepetl’s recent activity:

 

 

CENEPRED MONITOREO VOLANICO

In the last 24 hours monitoring system of Popocatepetl volcano has registerde a persistent episode of low-frequency tremor that fluctuates between low and high amplitude accompanied by almost continuous emission of steam, gas and ash that heads northwest.

Additionally, yesterday at 19:28 hours the monitoring system registered an explosion that was followed by an episode of high-amplitude harmonic tremor that lasted four hours.

There have also been isolated episodes of lower amplitude harmonic tremor lasting 50 minutes and some exhalations with explosive component, generating a slight increase in the emission of gases and ash. One of the most important could be seen today at 08:24 when there was partial visibility to the volcano (see Figure 1) , (see seismogram) .

Climatic conditions in the area had not allow visibility during most of the time.

 
The Volcanic Alert Level is at Yellow, Phase 3.

Boletin 177 SEGOB

 

CENAPRED places particular emphasis in the following recommendations:

1. Access is restricted within a radius of 12 km from the crater. Permanence in this area is not allowed.
2. The road between Santiago Xalitzintla (Puebla) and San Pedro Nexapa (Mexico State), including Paso de Cortes, is open only to controlled traffic.
3. To the authorities of Civil Protection, maintain preventive procedures, according to operative plans.
4. To the population, be aware of the official information emmited.
Popocatepetl Volcano is monitored continuously 24 hours a day.

 

 

It may surprise some Americans to learn that the United States has 169 `active’ volcanoes within its borders – and while most are located in Hawaii and Alaska – there are about 40 in the `lower 48’ states.

 

U.S. Volcanoes and Current Activity Alerts

 

 

Major volcanic eruptions on the U.S. mainland are rare events, but they have the potential to be extremely disruptive when they do occur.

 

For that reason, emergency planners urge:

 

Before a volcanic eruption:

• Plan ahead. Have emergency supplies, food and water stored. 
• Plan an evacuation route away from rivers or streams that may carry lahars.
• Keep a battery-operated radio available at all times.
• If there is an eruption predicted, monitor the radio or TV for information. Follow the advice given by authorities.

Note: Lahars are debris or mud flows from a volcano, and can be particularly dangerous. 

 

May is  Volcano Awareness Month in Washington State, which has five major volcanoes in the Cascade Range; Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams.

 

 

 

For more on Volcano hazards, and preparedness, you may wish to visit the State Of Washington’s Volcano Information and Preparedness webpage.

Update On Mt. Hekla

 

Mt. Hekla Webcam

 

 

# 7034

 

Over the past 24 hours a blog that I wrote back in 2011 (Watching Mt. Hekla) has received a number of fresh hits, primarily because Iceland’s massive volcano has shown signs of stirring over the past couple of days.

 

This 1,491 meter (4,892 ft) stratovolcano is located in the south of Iceland, and has seen at least 20 eruptions since the year 874, some of them massive and going on for months. 

 

Mt. Hekla is located not far from the far-more-difficult-to-pronounce – Eyjafjallajökull - whose eruptions in April and May of 2010 closed down air traffic over parts of Europe and caused considerable economic impact.

 

Mt. Hekla last erupted in the year 2000. 

 

According to a pair of reports appearing in Iceland Review Online  since yesterday, seismic activity has forced local officials to declare a `level of uncertainty’ regarding this volcano.

 

First, yesterday morning:

 

March 26 | Possible Eruption in South Iceland’s Hekla Volcano

The civil protection department has declared a level of uncertainty because of seismic activity in the volcano Hekla in South Iceland as announced by the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police and chief of police in Hvolsvöllur shortly after 11 am this morning. more

And then later in the day:

Daily News

March 26 | No Update on Hekla, Situation to be Reevaluated Tomorrow

There are no observable signs that an eruption of Hekla volcano is imminent and no updates have been issued. The civil protection department will tomorrow reevaluate the level of uncertainty declared today.  more

 

 

For a far more expert assessment on the threat posed by Mt. Hekla, I would refer you to Erik Klemetti’s excellent Wired Science Eruptions blog.

 

 

Alert Status Raised at Iceland’s Hekla

• By Erik Klemetti
• 03.26.13
• 11:39 AM

Erik also blogged on the renewed activity in the Canary Islands yesterday as well:

 

Earthquakes, Inflation Suggest New Magma Intruding Under El Hierro

 

 

As of this writing, there are no clear indications that either of these volcanoes are on the verge of producing a major eruption.

 

Their seismic activity bears watching, however.

 

While volcanic eruptions are normally a localized (albeit often destructive and traumatic) event, sometimes they can have global impact. 

 

When Mount Pinatubo erupted in the Philippines in 1991, within a year its aerosol cloud had dispersed around the globe, resulting in `an overall cooling of perhaps as large as -0.4°C over large parts of the Earth in 1992-93’ (see USGS The Atmospheric Impact of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo Eruption).

 

Just over a year ago, in UK: Civil Threat Risk Assessment, we looked at a short list of disaster scenarios (man-made & natural) that the Cabinet Office believe to be genuine threats to the United Kingdom.

 

 

Among these is the impact from a major volcanic eruption.

 

You may be wondering about the inclusion of a Volcanic threat to a country that isn’t exactly known for its volcanoes. Their concern stems from the impact of volcanic eruptions outside of their country – notably, in Iceland. Specifically they cite:

 

Severe effusive (gas-rich) volcanic eruptions abroad – The 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland showed some of the consequences that a volcanic eruption abroad can have on the UK and its citizens. Following consultation with geological and meteorological experts about the potential risks the UK faces from volcanic eruptions in Iceland or elsewhere, the assessment is that there are two main kinds of risk from volcanic eruptions. The irst is an ash-emitting eruption, similar to that in 2010. The second, which is slightly less likely than an ash-emitting eruption, but which could have widespread impacts on health, agriculture and transport, is an effusive-style eruption on the scale of the 1783–84 Laki eruption in Iceland. This second type of eruption is now one of the highest priority risks in the NRA and the NRR.

In 1783 the Craters of Laki in Iceland erupted and over the next 8 months spewed clouds of clouds of deadly hydrofluoric acid & Sulphur Dioxide, killing over half of Iceland’s livestock and roughly 25% of their human population.

 

These noxious clouds drifted over Europe, and resulted in widespread crop failures and thousands of deaths from direct exposure to these fumes. There are also anecdotal reports that suggest this eruption had short-term global climate impacts as well.

 

Another eruption of the type and scale seen in 1783 – while unlikely - could present an enormous disaster scenario not only to the UK, but to all of Europe.

 

Natural disasters, like disease epidemics, can have regional and even global impacts.

 

Reason enough to monitor these types of threats, no matter where in the world they may be, and to be prepared to deal with whatever might come your way.

 

In the United States, while Alaska and Hawaii are well known for their volcanic activity, it may surprise many Americans to learn that the United States has 169 `active’ volcanoes within its borders, with about 40 of those in the `lower 48’ states.

 

Washington is one of those states with a large number of volcanoes, and so May has been proclaimed Volcano Awareness Month.

 

This week happens to be Tsunami Preparedness Week in the United States - and while truly destructive tsunamis are rare - FEMA and NOAA take these threats seriously.

 

 

For more on  disaster preparedness, I would invite you to visit Ready.gov, FEMA,  or revisit these blogs:

 

In An Emergency, Who Has Your Back?

An Appropriate Level Of Preparedness

The Gift of Preparedness 2012

Washington State: Volcano Awareness Month

 

 

U.S. Volcanoes and Current Activity Alerts

 

# 6330

 

 

While Alaska and Hawaii are famed for their volcanic activity, it may come as a surprise to many Americans that the United States has 169 `active’ volcanoes within its borders, with about 40 of those in the `lower 48’ states.

Washington is one of the states with a large number of volcanoes, and so May has been proclaimed Volcano Awareness Month.

 

The Washington State EMD (Emergency Management Division) has advice and information for those living in close proximity of volcanoes.

 

News / Activities:
USGS / EMD Volcano Awareness Month Announcement

USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory

Preparedness for Volcano Hazards

In English PDF
In Spanish PDF
In Russian PDF
In Korean PDF
In Chinese PDF
In Vietnamese PDF

What To Do: During an eruption and ashfall (see page #2) (PDF)

How to Shelter-in-Place (PDF)     

Shelter-in-Place Video (Quicktime Required)

 

 

From the USGS we have a FAQ with that addresses many of the questions the public may have about volcanoes in the United States.  A brief snippet below, but follow the link to read it in its entirety.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Volcano Monitoring

To anticipate the awakening or reawakening of a volcano, volcanologists watch for changes caused by moving or pressurizing magma and associated changes in the hydrothermal system surrounding the magma. Magma moving toward the surface can cause swarms of earthquakes; swelling, subsidence, or cracking of the volcano's flanks; and changes in the amount or types of gases that are emitted from a volcano. The USGS continuously monitors many volcanoes in the states of Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Alaska, and Wyoming (Yellowstone) to detect unusual activity.

Q: Why is it important to monitor volcanoes?

A: The United States and its territories contain 169 geologically active volcanoes, of which 54 volcanoes are a very high or high threat to public safety [National Volcano Early Warning System (NVEWS)]. Many of these volcanoes have erupted in the recent past and will erupt again in the foreseeable future. As populations increase, areas near volcanoes are being developed and aviation routes are increasing. As a result, more people and property are at risk from volcanic activity. Future eruptions could affect hundreds of thousands of people. To help prevent loss of life and property, the U.S. Geological Survey and its partners monitor these volcanoes, and issue warnings of impending eruptions.

Real-time monitoring of volcanoes, with the use of volcano seismology, gas, thermal, and surface deformation measurements, permits scientists to anticipate with varying degrees of certainty, the style and timing of an eruption. While our present state of knowledge does not allow us to predict the exact time and place of eruptions, we can detect changes from usual behavior that precede impending eruptions. We communicate these changes in our volcano updates. The information in the volcano updates allows scientists, public officials, and people in communities at risk to make preparations that can reduce losses during an eruption. Because volcanoes can erupt with little warning, continuous monitoring is important even if a volcano is not showing signs of activity.

(Continue . . . )

 

 

While major volcanic eruptions on the U.S. mainland are rare events, they have the potential to be extremely disruptive when they do occur. 

 

For that reason, emergency planners urge:

 

Before a volcanic eruption:

• Plan ahead. Have emergency supplies, food and water stored. 
• Plan an evacuation route away from rivers or streams that may carry lahars.
• Keep a battery-operated radio available at all times.
• If there is an eruption predicted, monitor the radio or TV for information. Follow the advice given by authorities.

 

Note: Lahars are debris or mud flows from a volcano, and can be particularly dangerous. 

 

 

While it may sound a bit like a broken record, the advice for citizens to be prepared – whether it be for a volcanic eruption, tsunami, earthquake, or some other disaster – continues to ring forth from numerous federal, state and local agencies.

 

They know that during any serious disaster that emergency services will be severely strained, and that during the opening hours and even days, many people will have to fend for themselves.

 

 

The government takes these threats seriously, and so should you. To learn more on how to prepare for any type of disaster, visit Ready.gov and FEMA.

 

Popocatepetl Webcam

 

 

# 6293

 

The stratovolcano Popocatepetl - located just 43 miles southeast of Mexico City - has been increasingly restless over the past week, forcing authorities to raise the alert level. 

 

As reported by the Associated Press a short while ago, the volcano is spewing smoke and throwing rocks high into the air and a red glow is visible near the crater.

 

There is a webcam trained at the northern flank of the 17,802 foot volcano, which refreshes every 60 seconds.

You can view the activity at this link.

 

The alert is currently at level 5 (yellow) of 7.  Should the alert be raised to level 6 (red), evacuations may be ordered of nearby residents. 

 

`Popo’ has been erupting intermittently since 1994, with a very large eruption in December of 2000.

Watching Mt. Hekla

 

 

# 5676

 

Billed as one of Iceland’s most feared and active volcanoes, Mt. Hekla (which is fortunately easier to pronounce than last year’s eruptive Eyjafjallajökull volcano) is showing signs once more of coming to life.

 

The 1,491 meter (4,892 ft) stratovolcano is located in the south of Iceland, and has seen at least 20 eruptions since the year 874, some of them massive and going on for months. 

 

The 1947 eruption started March 29, 1947 and ran until April 1948.

 

Mt. Hekla is located in close proximity to last year’s Eyjafjallajökull, whose eruptions in April and May of 2010 closed down air traffic over parts of Europe and caused considerable economic impact.

 

Media reports over the past 12 hours have noted unusual GPS reading from the region, and while an eruption may not necessarily be imminent, geologists have warned Iceland’s Civil Protection Authority.

 

A couple of representative media reports, and then a link to a webcam which is trained on Mt. Hekla, that you can view online.

 

Iceland's Hekla volcano 'ready to erupt'

By Robert Robertsson (AFP) – 6 hours ago

REYKJAVIK — One of Iceland's most feared volcanoes looks ready to erupt, with measurements indicating magma movement, Icelandic experts said Wednesday, raising fears of a new ash cloud halting flights over Europe.

(Continue . . . )

Iceland volcano may erupt soon, scientists say

July 6th, 2011

10:55 AM ET

An eruption of Hekla, one of Iceland's most famous volcanoes, may be imminent, scientists in the island nation say.

Pall Einarsson, a geophysics professor at the University of Iceland, told Iceland Review that sensors around the volcano have shown unusual movements in the past few days.

(Continue . . . )

 

 

This link will take you to a live webcam of the Hekla volcano.  Refresh your browser to see the latest picture.

 

Another camera has been placed near Mt. Hekla, and can be viewed at this link.